The fourth instinct for the fourth of July

Arianna Huffington, in her book The Fourth Instinct defines the fourth instinct as “a clear disposition toward goodness, compassion and human fellowship.” The scientist Robert Winston in this book Human Instinct refers to the fourth instinct as co-operation and altruism. I call the fourth instinct simply kindness, which has remarkable potential for individuals and our society. Recent research found that something as unremarkable as loved ones touching their partner who is in pain syncs their breathing and heartbeat syncs and the partners’ pain wanes.

The power of kindness is at the heart of my website feedkindness.com and two new books: